So after spending crazy amounts of time searching for alternator codes and output to no avail, i've lost what lil mind i had.

Can anyone tell me how the hell you decipher what alt you're looking at. I have a supposed 150 alt from a 07 excursion that I was going to drop in. But I'm getting no where looking up the "model number" and I got a feeling I'm looking at a 110 amp.

Here's what I got on the back of the new alt. On the round bearing dust cover (center of alt) 4l3u-ba. above that it's got a HD then under the 4l3u number 03716 05.

on the alt housing I have a F stamped in the casting and motorcraft, and the number 11. That's it.

I am just so tired of doing a search and coming with links to russian mail order brides (i've ordered 6 already)

 

Have you tried looking up ford part numbers. Or call your local dealer and maybe they can explain the difference? I'm curious as well. when I swapped in my 5.4, I used the original alternator from the 4.6. But its a joke compared to the alternator that was on the 5.4. I wasn't sure what the output was so I decided to use my smaller 4.6 alternator.

 

I imagine the F11 is the code you're looking for, calling it the 110 Ford alt

but i could be wrong :o

 

This is what I got for the Excursion -

 

Why does that diagram say it uses a generator, not an alternator?

 

Not sure, except for the fact their basically the same. The alternator is more of a modified generator. The key different between an alternator and a generator is what spins and what is fixed. On a generator windings of wire (the armature) spin inside a fixed magnetic field. On an alternator, a magnetic field is spun inside of windings of wire called a stator to generate the electricity. This allows the wires to be directly and easily connected to their outputs without the need for sliding contacts to carry the relatively high output current. The magnetic field is still generated via electro magnets mounted on a rotor, and the relatively small field current that powers them is supplied to the rotor by two small brushes that each ride on a separate and continuous slip rings. These smooth slip rings (unlike the comparatively rough contacts on a commutator in a generator) and the fact that the relatively heavy windings are fixed instead of rotating allows the alternator to be spun to much higher speeds. This allows it to reach it's maximum output sooner and to be spun fast enough at engine idle speeds to produce enough electricity to power most (if not all) of the needs of the truck or car without relying on the battery. Coils are generators as well, but that's another explanation all together lol.

 

4L3U-BA is the part number with the base number missing. The drawing, 4L3U-10300-BA shows that it is a 110A alternator stabilized at a rating speed of 6K rpms (alternator rpm's). The base, -10300- is common for all alternators on Ford.

 

An alternator's output is based on demand. When more current is demanded the electromagnet gets stronger and more output is produced. A generator is strictly RPM based as the magnetic field is a fixed permanent magnet.

 

Here's a GenReg spec chart, - for the 05-06 model Exc. - Unable to bring up the 07 at this time, it's most likely the same -

 

Part # for the 2005 = #10346 110 amp. Similar to what Stormsearch posts above. All gas engines I've seen for 05 and 06 are 110 amp.

 

The 5.4L Big Case is a 3G (130 amp). The factory best IMO. I'm still using my original @ 272,000 miles.

 

Fyi ... To clarify:

In the classic definition, and alternator produces alternating current (hence the derived name, and the presence of a rectifier pack in a car's alternator), and a generator produces direct current.

Also - a generator's output can be controlled without varying rpm if that magnetic field is produced by an electromagnet (whose strength can be varied, and is common).

Those 'generators' folks can buy for residential use (part or whole-home backup power) actually have alternators as the core component. This sure don't help any


MGD

 

Thanks guys, the confusion began when I did a parts search through ford and found that the Excursion with Nav system

From the ford part website.

10346

(GLV-8626-RM)


Alternator
5.4L 330 CID 8 Cylinders; 150 Amp, AM/FM Stereo, 6-CD, Navigation System

option 2
Image 10346

(GL-921)


Alternator
Heavy Duty Alternator; 150 AMP


Hence why I am all confused. I agree with the statements that the replacement I have is a 110. Just wondering if there is some magically why to go....oh see that (blank) that means it (blank) amps.

 

Nope,- I wish there were as well. For the Excursion, Nav and Expy, they don't show a part exploded view with part numbers that include the generator/alternator. They just show specifications which equal 110 amps.

The part #10346 on my end, came from an 05/06 F150 which has the same specifications, = 110 amps. That's the only way I could get a part number, - was to cross reference with the F150. Service has an exploded view that included the alternator for that model.

A 110 should be plenty unless your running inverters or using the vehicle to power a small cabin back in the woods. Hey, they will if their set up for it lol.

EDIT: -These guys list an Excursion replacement for the 00-01 models.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALTER...Q5fAccessories

 

I went with efans so I was thinking if I can get a 150 cheap. Drop it in as good measure. Got the idle rpm jacked up to 800 no problems, but I haven't had the efan on turbo mode, with the air conditioner blowing high and wipers going full out and the headlights on bright either.


I think they call it OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder) and I think it's heriditary. At least that's my excuse.

I think I may call this a lost hope......